MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Foothills - Maxwell Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 3.9 (75)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Fort Collins
  5. Pineridge Natural Area
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“A great after work flowy/technical singletrack ride with amazing views of Horsetooth Reservoir. ”

Bryan Vernetson
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List

5.9

Miles

9.4

KM

70%

Singletrack

5,659' 1,725 m

High

5,193' 1,583 m

Low

658' 200 m

Up

656' 200 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

This trail is rideable all year, but can close due to muddy conditions after snow.

Overview

Great short ride with flowing singletrack and some technical uphill sections. All rideable and a blast to ride after work with friends. Great views of Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park across the way.

Description

Park at Maxwell Natural Area and ride north behind what is left of Hughes Stadium. You cross over the Foothills Trail and continue up through a small valley to Rotary Park past the "A". Then ride up to the overlook north of Rotary's parking lot and link up with the Shoreline trail that dips down to the reservoir and continues north.

Once you make it to the parking lot with swimming area you'll double back and head south back to the meadow at the top of the Maxwell uphill section. Head back down the way you came back to the Maxwell Natural Area parking lot.

Contacts

Local Club: Overland Mountain Bike Club

Land Manager: City of Fort Collins, Colorado

Shared By:

Bryan Vernetson with improvements by Derek Louis and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 75 votes

#1

in Pineridge Natural Area

#268

Overall
  3.9 from 75 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
52%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
1%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Pineridge Natural Area

#91

in Colorado

#268

Overall
49 Views Last Month
15,284 Since Jun 28, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
1%
1%
32%
26%
38%
1%
Add a Photo

Photos

Looking northwest at Horsetooth - summer 2020 during the fires.
Oct 12, 2020 near Laporte, CO
The post that separates Foothill and Maxwell trails. Go right and up the hill to Rotary Parking lot. Cross over CR23
Jun 16, 2020 near Laporte, CO
The first of a few rock stairways as you head back to Sunrise Parking lot.
Jun 16, 2020 near Laporte, CO
Head left on the re-entry to foothills trail, down hill and next to the lake all the way back.
Jun 16, 2020 near Laporte, CO
The view south from near the top of Maxwell Trail
Jul 20, 2013 near Laporte, CO
Rock garden section on the descent of Maxwell trail, small rock steps to left and right of the bike pictured.
Nov 17, 2019 near Laporte, CO

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 55 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Feb 17, 2026
Nathan
Aug 11, 2025
Benny Mckenney
Apr 12, 2025
Shiqiang Huang
it is easy to go into other trails 5.9mi
Jan 10, 2025
Anonymous
Apr 13, 2024
Brian Hottinger
Feb 2, 2024
Matt K
From and to house 90 minutes — 1h 30m
Aug 9, 2023
Mitchell Zombek
Great after work romp sesh!
Jul 7, 2023
Zachary Horton
fun ride 5.9mi

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started